History

• The story goes that a man named Lester Levenson was quite diseased and was sent home to die at age 42 in the year 1952. He decided that he would figure out how to cure himself and the method that he came up with extended his life another 42 years, until 1994. The practice he came up with was later called the Sedona Method, which he taught to pupil Hale Dwoskin, who marketed the process through seminars and books. The Sedona Method has reportedly been taught to over 60,000 people.
  
  

Benefits

• The Sedona Method has claimed to be able to extremely improve spiritual, emotional and mental health, and to help strengthen truly loving and healthy relationships. It claims to increase your overall sense of inner peace and well-being, and to create constant and real happiness in life despite any past or present circumstances. Its proponents say it can help you to create success in the world along with a sense of fulfillment.
  
  

Example

• Here is an example of the process. Focus on a feeling that you're having. Ask and answer yourself the question: Could I let this feeling go? Then ask: Would I? Lastly, you ask the question: When? According to the method, it does not matter if you answer yes or no, you must simply continue on through the questions. You then repeat the steps over and over until the feeling has less of a hold over you.
  
  

Alternatives

• There are many alternative methods to dealing with or letting go of your feelings that are described in the book "Happy for No Reason" by Marci Shimoff. One process involves asking a different series of questions to yourself. When you experience a feeling that is causing you a negative effect, you ask: "Can I prove that this feeling is true beyond the shadow of a doubt?" For example, you may think, "I'll never be a good musician," and then you ask yourself the question. If you can't prove it (and usually you cannot), then try the question on another thought. You may not be able to prove any of your thoughts or feelings, but eventually you can settle on one that feels more true and positive.
  
  If you make a habit of showing gratitude for the things that you do have, then that can make you feel less strongly about the negative areas of your life. This can be achieved by spending ten minutes a day writing a list of what you are grateful for, first thing in the morning.
  
  You may find it helpful to be a part of a support group. You may either find a group already in progress or start one up on your own. In a group setting, each participant can share her feelings and be uplifted by the other members. Other methods that may help with an abundance of negative feelings are increased exercise, improved diet, helping with charitable causes, and spending more time around family and friends.
  
  

Warning

• While many psychologists and other doctors are quick to prescribe depression medications, it is recommended that you try more natural methods first. This will decrease side effects and potential dependence. That being said, a serious mental condition may require medication and if you feel a loss of control over your feelings that continues on for more than a couple of months, it is best to see a professional.